Scientists clear passengers to fart on flights

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QMI Agency

Feb 16, 2013

, Last Updated: 2:23 PM ET

We don't need this kind of encouragement.

In their report titled, 'Flatulence On Airplanes: Just Let It Go,' published in the New Zealand Medical Journal Friday, a team of British and Danish gastroenterologists suggest it's healthier to pass wind than fight the turbulence brewing within.

We tend to fart more on a plane because of changes in the volume of intestinal gasses as cabin pressure changes, they said, and restraining gas could lead to a raft of "significant drawbacks" including discomfort, pain, bloating, indigestion, stress and heartburn.

As well, battling the body's need to break wind could be problematic for those afflicted with fart incontinence or those who had fallen asleep, leaving both groups open to the embarrassment of involuntary farts triggered by turbulence, coughing and sneezing.

Other than assaulting fellow passengers' nasal passages, taking the advice of the researchers has other drawbacks.

"Obviously, proximity to other passengers may cause conflict and stigmatization of the flatulating individual," the team said.